Smith, John. Choir Gaur. The Grand Orrery of the Ancient Druids, Commonly called Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Astronomically explained, and Mathematically proved to be a Temple errected in the earliest Ages, for observing the Motion of the Heavenly Bodies. Illustrated with three Copper Plates. First Edition. Salisbury, Printed for the Author, 1771. 29 x 23 cm. vi, 73 pages. Three numbered Plates at the back of the book, and two folding drawings. See images. One Illustration in text (page 61). Contemporary paper covered boards. Quarter paper spine with printed paper spine label. Very good condition. Some rubbing and bumping to binding (see images). Name of previous owner on title page. Long neat annotation on page 70 relating to Egyptian Antiquities. A very nice copy.

‘Choir Gaur’ is one of the earliest astronomical analysis of Stonehenge, looking into the ancient structure’s history and historical use.A fascinating work on the important prehistoric monument on the Salisbury Plains, one of the most famous landmarks of Britain.The work comprises abstracts taken from many historic accounts of the stones, followed by Smith’s own analysis of the stones in present day (1771). There is also an explanation of the use of Stonehenge as a ‘Tropical Temple&apos. The abstracts have been taken from the accounts of Jeffrey of Monmouth, Inigo Jones, Dr Charlton (Physician to King Charles), Camden’s Brittannia, Dr Stukeley, Mr Wood (an architect at Bath) and a manuscript collected by Hearne and printed in Peter Langtoft″s chronicle. By Doctor John Smith, a prominent antiquary and Gaelic scholar.

• Keywords: Archeology & Antiquities · Astronomy · Fine Bindings & Editions · Great Britain · History · History & Culture · Mathematics · Reference
• Language: English
• First edition
• Inventory Number: 104470AB

Our price: EUR 2.500,--